As coastal real estate booms, so does the demand for freshwater resources. Traditional sources are increasingly strained, especially in arid and semiarid regions. Brackish water desalination offers a sustainable and innovative solution to meet the growing needs of these developments.
A reliable freshwater supply is critical for urban expansion. Water is essential for producing food, generating power, and maintaining environmental and human health. In the United States, more than 70% of our water comes from surface water sources such as rivers and lakes, with groundwater accounting for just over 20%. However, in hot, arid, coastal regions such as sunny California, groundwater is the primary source.
While the demand for water is increasing because of population growth and urban expansion, fresh water is increasingly scarcer because of erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged drought, and overextraction. The supply is often insufficient to meet the demand in many areas, leading to water shortages that threaten livelihoods and public health.
Brackish water is an abundant and relatively untapped resource that could provide a lifeline, especially in arid and semiarid regions where freshwater supplies are scarce. Brackish water is more salty than fresh but less salty than seawater. While fresh water has a total dissolved solids (TDS) content of fewer than 1000 milligrams per liter (mg/L), brackish water typically has TDS levels of 1,000 to 10,000 mg/L. Water sources with TDS over 10,000 mg/L are considered highly saline, with seawater typically around 35,000 mg/L.
Many coastal aquifers contain brackish groundwater because of seawater intrusion, which is exacerbated by overextraction of fresh groundwater. While this water cannot be used for drinking or irrigation, like seawater, brackish water can be desalinated to provide potable water.
Desalination involves treatment with specialized reverse osmosis technologies to remove the minerals and salts in the water. However because brackish water contains less salt than seawater, the cost of desalination is not as high as that of seawater desalination because the lower salinity levels require less energy and infrastructure. That makes it a more affordable and sustainable alternative.
Recent advancements in desalination technologies have made brackish water desalination more efficient and cost-effective. Membrane technologies, such as reverse osmosis and nanofiltration, have improved significantly, reducing energy consumption and increasing water recovery rates. Additionally, innovative approaches like forward osmosis and capacitive deionization are being explored to further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of desalination processes.
Ultimately, the cost of establishing a brackish water desalination plant depends on factors such as the size and location of the plant, the site characteristics, the desalination technology, the contaminants that must be addressed to comply with drinking water standards, and what pre- or post-treatment facilities are required.
Coastal developments require water for many things, from safe drinking water to irrigation of landscaping and recreational facilities, such as golf courses. Brackish water desalination systems can provide a reliable supply to meet these needs while alleviating the strain on overburdened freshwater sources.
Brackish water reverse osmosis desalination plants can be designed as modular units that can be scaled up as the community grows. This adaptability ensures that the water supply keeps pace with the expansion of real estate developments, even in regions prone to water scarcity or drought.
A United States Geological Survey map of the National Brackish Groundwater Assessment shows that brackish groundwater is abundant and readily accessible across the country, including inland aquifers. With modern advances making desalination more affordable and feasible, brackish groundwater offers a solution to ensuring that communities across the nation continue to have access to a reliable and sustainable water supply.
Successful implementation of brackish water desalination projects requires strong community and stakeholder engagement. It's essential to involve local communities, businesses, and environmental groups in the planning and decision-making process. Transparent communication, education, and addressing concerns about potential impacts are crucial for building trust and ensuring the project's sustainability.
By embracing sustainable practices, investing in research and development, and fostering strong community partnerships, we can harness the potential of this valuable resource to meet the growing demand for freshwater.
Furthermore, brackish water desalination can contribute to sustainable development goals by promoting water security, reducing reliance on traditional water sources, and fostering economic growth in water-scarce regions. By integrating desalination technologies into comprehensive water management strategies, we can ensure a sustainable future for coastal communities and real estate developments.